In comes Def Jam Africa’s latest signing and first for 2021, Lucasraps. Real name Lucas Duncan Malong – the 20-year-old rapper was born in Cape Town and raised in Durban. He debuted in 2016 with the single “Ammo” that featured DJ Maphorisa and has since made appearances on numerous songs that have grabbed the attention of the industry, culminating in his signing with Def Jam Africa.
Def Jam Africa is a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), and follows the blueprint of the iconic USA based Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years. Similarly, since its launch in 2020, Def Jam Recordings is dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent – only it’s specific to Africa. Lucasraps first single as a Def Jam Africa signee is the playful but dextrous “Slide”.
In the song, he flexes the very skills that made him a spectacle in the first place – witty lyricism that comes off as easy and playful while also showing his technical prowess.
Certainly in great company, the label’s current roster includes some of the most influential, successful and followed African talent i.e Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria).
Lucasraps’ resume includes placements with the likes of Dr. Peppa, Riky Rick, Chang Cello, Blxckie – gaining acclaim for his performances on songs such as “Ah Ah Ah Ah” and “Big Time Shlappa”. Perhaps his most notable performance to date is on “What It Is”, which also features Riky Rick and Chang Cello, in light of the fact that the song was nominated for a South African Hip Hop Award, giving Lucasraps his first taste of mainstream success. Let’s hope Lucasraps is successful in this new chapter of his career.
Listen to “Slide” below:
